Life skills for young people in Bucks

An Aylesbury based charity are continuing to prepare young people for life after education with a series of government subsidised courses.

Action for Youth help deliver the National Citizens Service, which prepare those aged 16 to 17 to gain valuable life skills. The residential programme has seen over 4000 youngsters take part since 2010, with activities taking place at the Caldecotte Xperience in Milton Keynes.  Places are heavily subsidised by the government, while bursary places are also available. You can read more about the programme below.

National Citizen Service (NCS) - The experience which turns No You Can't into YES We Can!

The last few years have been challenging for young people with the pandemic and all the disruption that caused to school, college, and young people's social lives.

National Citizen Service (NCS) is a youth programme, designed for 16–17-year-olds, that runs every summer during the school holidays. The experience is all about emboldening young people, giving them an experience of discovering what life may involve, without all the responsibility. It supports young people to become work-ready through growing their confidence, independence, and learning new skills; connecting them with people from all walks of life; and empowering them to make a difference in their communities and wider society.

Action4Youth has worked with NCS since 2010, delivering the life-changing experience for young people in Bucks, Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. To date, Action4Youth have worked with over 4000 young people, helping them to realise their potential and smash their future goals.

Emily's NCS Story:

Emily is a passionate music teacher, who has been part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme as a participant and team leader.

Her journey not only mirrors her personal growth but also highlights the broader impact of NCS on young people.

Motivation for Working on NCS:
Emily's journey through NCS saw her go from a young person attending the programme to an assistant team leader and onto team leader, where she played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring young people. After attending NCS as a young person, Emily's dedication to working with young people led her to become a qualified music teacher.

Benefits of NCS for Young People:
NCS equips participants with essential life skills like budgeting, financial literacy, and first aid, which often go overlooked in traditional education. These skills not only empower young people but also set them on a path toward future success, including higher education.

NCS provides opportunities for young people to develop essential skills, build confidence, improve their mental health and wellbeing, and increase social interaction.

NCS pushes young people beyond their comfort zones, nurturing confidence and encouraging them to explore new horizons within a supportive framework.

Advice to Young People Considering NCS:
Emily urged young people thinking of attending NCS to see it as a unique platform for personal growth. Emily emphasised the chance to forge new friendships, build self-reliance, and enjoy an enriching and fun experience away from home.
Emily credited NCS as a significant contributor to her personal and professional growth.

Emily's story shows the profound impact NCS can have on young people and those who work alongside them. Her transition from NCS participant to team leader showcases the programme's ability to empower individuals, build confidence, and impart essential life skills. Emily's unwavering endorsement of NCS underscores its invaluable role in shaping independent, confident, and well-rounded young citizens.

You can contact Action For Youth here (external link)